Autism Assessor (Adult Assessments)

Harley Street Mental Health (HSMH) is a clinician‑led independent service providing high‑quality neurodevelopmental assessments and mental health care for adults across the UK. We deliver Adult Autism diagnostic assessments via the NHS Right to Choose pathway, combining robust clinical governance with a patient‑centred, neuro‑affirming approach.

Location: Remote assessments (UK‑based clinicians) or Leeds clinic (in‑person assessments). Hybrid options may be available depending on availability and service need.

Contract type: Sessional / self‑employed / subcontractor (to be confirmed based on profession and arrangement).

Salary / rates: Competitive rates of pay (per assessment / per session) – details shared on application.

Main duties of the job:

• Conduct gold‑standard adult autism assessments, including detailed clinical interview, neurodevelopmental history, collateral history and structured observation (e.g. ADOS‑2 Module 4 or an appropriate documented alternative).
• Review and interpret pre‑assessment questionnaires and psychometrics, including RAADS‑R, CAT‑Q, AQ‑50 and other relevant measures.
• Formulate and document a clear diagnostic outcome using recognised diagnostic frameworks (DSM/ICD as applicable), including differential diagnosis considerations.
• Produce timely, detailed and defensible assessment reports that meet HSMH quality standards.
• Provide a professional, sensitive feedback session, including psychoeducation, signposting and reasonable adjustment recommendations.
• Work in line with clinical governance, safeguarding requirements, information governance/GDPR and professional codes of conduct.
• Liaise appropriately with GPs and other professionals (with consent) and contribute to MDT discussion where clinically indicated.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and adhere to agreed turnaround times and pathways.

Qualifications:

• Appropriate professional qualification and current registration to practise within scope (HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist or Counselling Psychologist; GMC registered Specialty Doctor; NMC registered Nurse with relevant competence in adult autism assessment).
• ADAS‑2 Module 4 training (and current competence administering/scoring).
• Training/competence in additional structured autism assessments (e.g. ADI‑R, DISCO, 3Di or equivalent).

Experience:

• Demonstrable experience independently completing adult autism diagnostic assessments end‑to‑end (history, formulation, outcome, feedback, report).
• Confidence interpreting and integrating screening tools into clinical reasoning, including RAADS‑R, CAT‑Q, AQ‑50.
• Ability to make and document clinically meaningful observations relevant to autism diagnosis (e.g. ADOS‑2 Module 4 or an agreed alternative observational approach).
• Experience working with complexity and differential diagnosis, including common co‑occurring presentations (e.g. ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD/trauma presentations, depression, personality factors, learning disability).
• Recent, regular delivery of adult autism assessments (i.e. maintaining skills through ongoing clinical practice).
• Experience within NHS or NHS‑commissioned pathways, including Right to Choose.
• Experience assessing adults with high masking/camouflaging and/or later‑life identification.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations and adapting assessment approach appropriately.

Essential criteria:

• Registration with an appropriate professional body and eligibility to practise within scope.
• Demonstrable experience completing adult autism assessments with confidence leading the process independently.
• Strong working knowledge of autism presentations in adults, including masking/camouflaging and the impact of co‑morbidity.
• Competence interpreting autism‑related screening tools and integrating results into clinical formulation.
• Ability to make and document structured clinical observations relevant to autism assessment.
• Excellent clinical report‑writing skills, producing clear diagnostic rationale and practical recommendations.
• Commitment to neuro‑affirming, respectful, and evidence‑based practice.
• Appropriate professional indemnity cover (or willingness to obtain) for independent sessional work.
• Reliable access to a suitable private clinical environment for remote assessments (if remote working) and confidence using secure video platforms and electronic clinical systems.

Desirable criteria:

• ADAS‑2 Module 4 training and recent experience administering and scoring.
• Experience using structured autism interviews/assessments (e.g. ADI‑R, DISCO, 3Di or equivalent), where relevant to discipline and role.
• Experience working with complex presentations and culturally diverse populations, with an ability to adapt approach appropriately.
• Previous experience in NHS or NHS‑commissioned pathways, including Right to Choose.

What we offer:

• Competitive rates of pay with regular assessment opportunities due to high service demand.
• Flexible working: remote assessments and/or in‑person clinics in Leeds.
• Clear pathways, templates, and clinical governance support to maintain consistent quality.
• Professional, supportive team culture with access to clinical leadership and peer support.
• Opportunity to contribute to a growing national service delivering high‑quality autism assessments for NHS patients.

Safeguarding and pre‑engagement checks:

HSMH is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults. Engagement is subject to appropriate checks including DBS, identity and right‑to‑work verification, professional registration, references, and compliance with information governance requirements.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.